Everton management believe they can convince Joleon Lescott to resist the cash lure of Manchester City.

The Liverpool Daily Post says Everton are hopeful that the likelihood of an extended run in his favoured central defensive position - with Phil Jagielka missing until November and Leighton Baines outstanding for the second half of last season at left-back - will see him stay put.

Lescott made 14 appearances at full-back during 2008/09, a position in which he is equally accomplished as centre-back, but from Boxing Day onwards played all bar two matches in his favoured berth.